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Every book David Grann recommended on podcasts
David Grann appears on How I Write, where he discusses his extensive research processes, structural methodologies, and historical detective work behind his notable narrative non-fiction books. Grann examines Killers of the Flower Moon, explaining how he combed through secret grand jury testimony found in old office clear-out folders and relied heavily on the National Archives branch in Fort Worth, Texas, to uncover uninvestigated murders. He talks about his earlier book, The Lost City of Z, using it to illustrate the structural challenges of crafting prologues and finding ways to insert himself into a historical narrative about explorers disappearing in the Amazon. Additionally, Grann discusses his book The Wager, detailing how a long-standing fascination with maritime mutinies inspired the project, how he tracked down historical details about outfitting a ship in the opening chapter, and the editing feedback he received from his wife. Through these discussions, Grann reveals himself as a meticulous archival researcher and narrative craftsman dedicated to uncovering forgotten historical truths.
Books recommended by David Grann
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Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is a sweeping work of investigative journalism that uncovers the systematic murders of wealthy Osage people in Oklahoma during the 1920s and the birth of the FBI.
Discussed“Uh well, in Killers of the Flower Moon, when I was researching that book, uh I discovered that there were many cases that had never been properly investigated by the authorities and that there were these other killings.”
Where to get it
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Los Náufragos Del Wager / the Wager
Discussed“So for example, the wager uh my most recent book I was sitting around and I was thinking oh well you know what would be interesting. I thought well a subject that's always interested me was mutinies.”
Where to get it
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The Lost City of Z
The Lost City of Z by David Grann is a compelling non-fiction work that chronicles the mysterious disappearance of British explorer Percy Fawcett in the Amazon rainforest.
Discussed“So I think you want to have some element of uh usually um you know let's say let's talk about the lost city of Z. It was the first book I did about explorers who disappeared in the Amazon”
Where to get it
Books David Grann wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Write Something Truly Memorable — David Grann | How I Write | 2025-11-05 | 13 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“And I had on my iPhone with me uh an audible of Moby Dick.”